How to Make the Empire-Waist Style Flatter You

Empire tops are a flattering selection, especially for women who carry weight around their middle. Wondering if the empire-waist style is a good fit for you? Keep on reading for our styling tricks to get a sleek look with this popular silhouette.

Opt for an-empire waist dress or top that highlights the slimmest part of your waist.

If your extra weight settles around your center, choose a top with a tie or an empire-waist to create a shapely look that nips in at your natural curves. Some apple shaped women have a slight “dent” below the bust, so choose a top with a little extra “swing” to skim around trouble areas. Like fashion blogger Nicole Warne, you may go for a jumpsuit or romper with an empire-waist style to highlight the slimmest part of your waist to give you some curves. Or, look for blouses that define your bust and give you a boost with careful construction and details.

Wear a belt or adjust your built in zippers and belts to create an empire-waist style.

Get an empire-waist top with an adjustable bow under the bust line or zipper, which you can adjust for the most flattering nipped-in look like Mary Orton did. If you have an athletic body that’s strong and muscular, soften your frame with a more feminine silhouette. Remember, empire-waist tops add curves, so wear a belt, preferably a wider style that sits higher on your waistline to highlight your bust while slimming down your bottom-half.

If you have a small waist and larger hips in comparison, balance your frame with color blocked or printed ensembles that create the illusion of an empire-waist style. Like Nicole Warne, you may try to find a shirt that hits the correct point on your body while having the stripe patterns all in the right place. This way, you’ll even out your hips with your bust, especially if you choose one with detailing near the bust line. Look around for a medium-print top if you don’t know what flatters, or try a slightly larger print if you have a big frame. Remember that light colors highlight and dark colors conceal so be selective on your colors and prints.

Resort to crop tops, blouses, tanks, and sweaters to show your midriff.

Hunt down tops in comfortable fabrics like soft jersey or silk that will skim over figure flaws. Since empire-waist tops come in a variety of looseness, you may choose one with the seam under the bust, but with more figure-conscious lines. Like fashion blogger Micah Gianneli, you may opt for a bandeau top or crop top that highlights your bust while showing off your midriff – an alternative to empire-waist style in a sexy way.

Go for a high-waist bottom to create an empire-waist style with your longer tops.

If you’re not a fan of crop top that shows your midriff, then select a shirt that’s not too long and wear it with high-waist bottoms. Like fashion blogger Nicole Warne, you’ll create an illusion of longer legs and leaner frame, which every woman dreams of. Indeed, by following our styling tricks, you’ll make the empire-waist style flattering for you while looking trendy and classy at the same time.